Well, Serena takes it. She played really well. Hard not to see her win this when she plays like this.

Petra

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Yeah, after some dodgy moments earlier in the tournament, Serena looked like she found her form today. I agree that she looks too strong to not be the far and away favorite for the tournament, although if Azarenka makes it through, it could be an interesting match between the two.

^They were saying on BBC last night that her attitude +plus her grunt turn people off, which is a shame because she's "very beautiful and very talented"... I think there might be some truth to that. I like her for this reason alone. I kinda like it when people just don't give a shit. LOL.

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I've always liked her game, her old mental attitude of being touchy and moody on the court. It would irritate me because she is so talented. Vika considered quitting tennis about a 1 year a half almost 2 years ago.

But I think Vika is just sick and tired of answering questions about her grunting/shrieking. I think the media have been harder on Vika than they are on Maria S or Serena(in regards to the grunting). She showed real resiliency at the Aussie Open when the crowd was mocking her. I didn't see the crowd mock Maria or Serena.

Vika is not letting much bother here, I think she's digging in and playing with even more determination.

If they don't grunt in practice then why on earth do they have to grunt/scream on every. single. shot. in their matches?

And grunts i'm generally ok with but outright screaming which is what a lot of the ladies are doing just seems purposefully effected rather than a grunt which sounds more genuine.

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Vika grunts in practice. However, I think some of the other players like Maria and Serena probably don't grunt in practice is due to several things. They aren't hitting the ball with all their might and the stress of playing of match. I've seen Maria not grunt on "slice" strokes. I've seen Maria and Serena grunt more in stressful times of the match(nerves) and when they are really putting on power and weight into their shots.

I don't think Maria and Vika grunting/shrieking is done on purpose, i.e. a gamesmanship issue. I do think Serena at times uses the grunts as an intimidation tool.

Agree on Lisicki - but she has just broken back in the 2nd set - maybe she can get settled and make a match of this!!

Glad they have finally gotten all the mens matches sorted - though back to back days will be tough for some of them - especially Mayer who has to face Novak tomorrow. At least with all the other games they will have had the same amount of rest!!